Our Capital Improvement Plan was created through community outreach and discussion before the $172 million Capital Bond passed in 2004.

Strategic Planning Guidelines

Careful financial management will maximize funding for all Capital Improvement Plan projects. To do so, we're following our Strategic Planning Guidelines (PDF) at each stage of the Plan.

Fairwood opens as KCLS' newest library

The Fairwood Library opened Saturday, December 6, 2014 with an enthusiastic crowd of more than 500 people turning out to celebrate and tour the long-awaited KCLS facility. Thanks to the $172,000 million library capital bond approved by voters in 2004, the new library is 5,000 square feet larger than its predecessor. It has comprehensive interior and infrastructure renovations, more computers and materials, a community room, quiet study areas, and other features. The library is open 65 hours a week.

KCLS Interim Director Julie Acteson welcomed the morning gathering, followed by comments from KCLS Board President Jessica Bonebright and King County Council member Reagan Dunn (District Nine). Dunn emphasized how important and vital this library is to the Fairwood community, thanking KCLS and the Board of Trustees for all their excellent work. The Fairwood Honor Choir helped kick off the event, and children's singer and song writer Nancy Stewart performed inside the library following the ribbon cutting. Other dignitaries who spoke on behalf of the new library were Fairwood Elementary Principal Tricia Hoyle; Gayle Hayes, President of the Friends of the Fairwood Library, and Walter Schact, Principal at Schact-Aslani Architects, the firm that designed the new 20,000-square-foot facility.

Greener, expanded Vashon Library celebrates its opening

More than 600 enthusiastic residents braved the rain to celebrate the newly expanded and renovated Vashon Library on March 29, 2014.Â The Free Range Folk Choir performed during the open house, and the Friends of Vashon Library provided refreshments.Â

The library, expanded to a total 10,000 square feet, offers patrons a thoughtful place to read and interact, while connecting them to their green surroundings with enhanced views of forested Ober Park. The building was designed “green” as well, including a green roof to reduce storm water runoff and help keep the building cool in the summer.

The new library also features two study rooms, a reading room, and dedicated areas for children and teens, as well as a larger community meeting room equipped with an automatic drop-down screen, a large whiteboard and automated shades to dim the lighting for movies, slides or other presentations.

Breaking Ground for the New Skyway Library!

Community members celebrated the Skyway Library groundbreaking on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 9. As the crowd gathered, 25 children from the Renton/Skyway Boys & Girls Club's summer music program entertained the crowd with songs.

KCLS Interim Director Julie Acteson welcomed the community to the event to celebrate the start of construction for the new 8,000 square foot library.

"The new library will be within walking distance from the Boys & Girls Club, a middle school and several elementary schools," said KCLS Interim Director Julie Acteson.

A number of dignitaries addressed the crowd, including KCLS Board Trustee Jessica Bonebright, Friends of Skyway Library President Theresa McLean, West Hill Community Association President Bill Bowden, King County Sheriff's Office Captain Ted Boe and King County Sheriff's Office Deputy Brian Barnes.

"We appreciate the voters in the community who supported this project," said KCLS Board Trustee Jessica Bonebright. "This is going to be a great resource for the community."

Project architect Matt Aalfs highlighted the design process, which incorporated input from the community. He said the new building will have almost twice the space, materials and computers.

"Our goal was to design a building that is inspiring, full of light and strong colors," Aalfs said.

With gold shovels in hand, local dignitaries were joined by children with small shovels to break ground. The crowd enjoyed refreshments courtesy of the Friends of Skyway Library, balloon animals by Lolo the Clown and giveaways.

Bellevue Library - Library Car Show and Garage Opening - 2013

There's one sure way to attract a crowd at a parking garage: plan a car show.

More than 750 people gathered at the top level of the new three level Bellevue Library parking garage for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and car show to celebrate the completion of the construction project on the morning of Saturday, June 22.

As the crowd gathered, the SuperSones performed Cuban music. After KCLS Director Bill Ptacek welcomed the crowd, a number of dignitaries addressed the audience.

"We in Bellevue love libraries," said Deputy Mayor Jennifer Robertson. "The partnership between the city and KCLS is a wonderful thing; I can't wait to see the green wall go up."

In addition to 163 new parking spaces, for a total of 362 spaces, the project includes a green wall of living plants and license plate artwork by renowned Northwest artist Buster Simpson.

"Thank you again for your support of our capital bond," said KCLS Board Trustee Robin McClelland.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees toured more than 40 classic, muscle, exotic, and electric cars while enjoying mini-donuts from Street Donuts and coffee generously provided by the Bellevue Friends of the Library. Lolo the Clown also was in attendance, creating balloon animals for children.

General Questions

Why was capital replacement funding needed?+-

Funding from a 1988 bond measure was coming to a close and replacement funding was needed to effectively prepare for library use in the coming decade.

Overall library use has increased during the past decade. We have expanded our facilities and services to meet the needs of a growing regional population. In addition, facilities naturally age through heavy use and maintenance costs continue to escalate.

What types of projects will the Capital Replacement Bond fund?+-

Proposed projects include:

Replacing libraries that are outdated, too small, no longer located centrally in growing areas, or impractical to remodel to meet growing needs.

Maintaining facilities and making basic repairs and improvements to support increased use, additional materials, and new technologies.

Expanding and upgrading facilities to add more room for community meeting space and children's and teen areas.

Opening new libraries in communities that do not have library service.

How was the Plan developed?+-

We engaged in an extensive community involvement and outreach project in 2002-2003 to identify priorities for each of our communities.

To develop our Capital Improvement Plan, we:

Heard feedback from more than 2,600 community members at public meetings held in every community we serve.

Received public comments via email, telephone, and online surveys.

Considered necessary library maintenance and upkeep.

Why do most projects have different start dates?+-

The time needed to complete each project varies by library and depends on the type of project, condition of the library, and community needs.

Each library is held in high importance. Designated start dates are based on factors such as how urgent the need is for each library, as well as issues and permits relating to construction. Communities with fairly new libraries will receive attention later in the plan.

We will assess the maintenance and upkeep needs for each library and implement changes within a period of 5-10 years. Our first priority is to ensure that appropriate and efficient structural modifications are undertaken to keep libraries safe and pleasant for patrons.

Will these improvements take care of future needs?+-

While library usage continues to escalate, we anticipate the proposed projects will meet the needs of patrons until at least 2016. Maintenance and upkeep will be taken care of for the next 10 years.

Didn't you just build a new Seattle Public Library?+-

The new downtown Central Library is not part of the King County Library System (KCLS). KCLS and Seattle Public Library (SPL) are two separate entities.

KCLS is funded by property tax revenues and, when needed, capital improvement bonds. SPL is a general revenue department that is part of the City of Seattle and operates as a completely separate district from KCLS.

The new downtown Seattle Public Central Library cost Seattle taxpayers approximately $165 million to build- the same amount that will cover the cost of maintenance, upkeep and expansion of the 43 KCLS libraries included in our Capital Improvement Plan. Since the measure passed, we have expanded to 48 libraries.

Project-Specific Questions

Why is parking so critical at some libraries?+-

Use of libraries has increased dramatically in recent years and some of our parking lots are unable to accommodate the increased demand. At several libraries, patrons often have to leave simply because they are unable to find a parking spot.

What building repairs and maintenance are needed?+-

Interior and exterior maintenance are needed to keep highly used buildings in good shape. Basic repairs and maintenance include: replacing carpeting, lighting, furniture, and painting.

Is there a need for more computers and space for computers?+-

Demand for computers is at an all-time high. Patrons now have to sign up for computer use and are restricted to a limited amount of time each day. Additional computers and space are needed to help accommodate the demand.

Why relocate a library when we already have a library?+-

New libraries are proposed in areas where there is a high demand for service and where other libraries are not easily accessible. Building new libraries in such areas gives residents easy library access and reduces crowding in neighboring libraries.

Our proposed plan addresses an inequity in library service between South King County and North/East King County.

I have a relatively new library. Why is my library included in the Plan?+-

Libraries that are relatively new have proposed improvement dates of 2010 or later. After several years of high use and normal wear and tear, even our newer libraries will need upkeep.

Will open hours be extended?+-

Our Capital Improvement Plan does not cover operational expenses such as staffing or the additional costs to cover extended hours of operation.

How will libraries operate during construction?+-

This varies by project, but as always, we find alternative ways to provide library service when construction is under way. With 48 community libraries, frequenting a nearby library is an option.

Funding/Cost Questions

During the election you promised that the owner of a $300,000 house would not pay more than $25 for the 2004 bond. Is that still the case?+-

Yes. Since the 2004 election, the bond levy has been below $0.08 per $1,000 of value. Our forecasts indicate that the rate will continue to be below $0.08 for the remainder of the life of the bonds.

Due to the current low interest rate environment, we were able to refinance a portion of the outstanding bonds. This resulted in a savings to the taxpayers of $8.2 million and further ensures that the cost will be under $25 per year.

When will the bonds be issued?+-

The bonds have all been issued. The first set of bonds was issued in July 2005 for $66.4 million. The second set was issued in October 2009 for $74.9 million. The final set was issued in October 2012 for $30.7 million.

How much is the levy for the bonds in 2013?+-

The current levy for the 2004 bonds is 6.7 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

Are taxpayers still paying for the 1988 bonds?+-

No, the 1988 bonds have now been fully paid off.

What about the Capital Facilities Areas in Issaquah and Redmond?+-

In 1998, Redmond and Issaquah voters approved the sale of bonds to build a new library in each city.

The cost of the Redmond CFA bonds in 2013 was 4.7 cents per $1,000 of property value. The bonds mature in 2018.

The cost of the Issaquah CFA bonds in 2013 was 9.9 cents per $1,000. These bonds mature in 2019.

The 2004 bonds will be added to what taxpayers living in these areas are currently paying for the CFA bonds.

Who is paying for the Capital Facilities Area bonds?+-

Taxpayers whose property is within the defined Capital Facility Area are paying for the Capital Facilities Area bonds. Capital Facility Areas do not coincide exactly with City boundaries.

General funding is provided through an annual levy rate that is not to exceed 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. This operating levy funding pays for general operations and maintenance of the library system, including staff salaries.

Due to the passage of I-747, the revenues we receive from the operating levy are limited to growth of 1% per year, plus new construction.

In 2013, the operating levy for the King County Library System was 50 cents.

What is the difference between operating levies and capital bonds?+-

Our operating budget covers day-to-day costs such as salaries, utilities, books, and supplies. Funding for this budget is provided by the annual operating levy. The operating levy does not fund larger, one-time capital projects such as construction to expand and build new facilities.

The only way to address the capital needs of the library system is to issue bonds, such as the capital replacement bonds approved by King County voters in 2004. The money raised through bonds can only be used for the capital purposes for which they are intended.

Are there safeguards in place for keeping projects on time and on budget?+-

We have a history of delivering capital improvements on time and on budget. Voters approved bond issues for new materials and construction of new libraries in 1966 and 1988. Projects were completed on time and on budget both times.

As of early 2013, we have spent $140 million of the bond funds and are on track to complete all of the projects with the remaining funds.

What accountability measures are in place to make sure KCLS will spend this money wisely?+-

Our annual budgets are reviewed and approved by our Board of Trustees. An authorized staff member must approve actual expenditures before they are submitted to the Board for final approval. All board meetings and annual budget hearings are open to the public.

By law, funds raised by a bond issue may only be spent in the categories for which they were approved. All of our financial statements are audited on an annual basis by the Washington State Auditor's Office. In addition, the State Auditor approved of our project management after conducting a performance review of our construction activities in 2009.

We're following green standards when new libraries are built and existing libraries are renovated. Our goal is environmentally friendly, fiscally responsible building.

Our Green Standards+-

Site planning: Hiring LEED-certified architects; building new libraries in urban areas near transit centers; and siting buildings to take advantage of natural light

Improving the quality of the indoor environment: Using Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) paint, adhesives and sealants; and choosing modular carpeting, which does not contain Polyvinyl Chloride (PVCs)

Water conservation: Reducing use with low-flow fixtures for toilets, sinks, and showers

LEED Certification+-

Although we follow Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, it is generally too costly to LEED Certify all projects.

Two exceptions:

The Burien Library - LEED Silver Certified

The city of Burien funded one-third of the cost of the library's LEED certification, as the project was a joint development. This included consultant fees required to develop documentation and application fees.

The Duvall Library - anticipated to gain LEED Silver certification

The Duvall Library has a green roof and a ground source heat pump. The pump uses the earth's relatively constant temperature to provide heating, cooling, and hot water.

Look for native trees, shrubs, and grasses in rain gardens at the following libraries:

Federal Way

Sammamish

Kenmore

Auburn

Covington

Fairwood

Information for Architects, Consultants & Contractors

A $172-million capital bond has provided funding for new libraries and enhancements for all of our libraries during the next decade. As we move through our Capital Improvement Plan, construction work is currently under way at many of our libraries.

Modified Services & Library Closures During Construction

Providing consistent library service to patrons continues to be a priority for the King County Library System (KCLS), but modifications to library service are unavoidable during some library improvement and expansion projects. Each project will be evaluated individually, but we must balance convenience with safety and cost concerns.

KCLS will explore temporary services for each library or relocate popular programs to nearby facilities when feasible, but many services must be put on hold until modifications are completed. Construction projects will be staggered during the next decade, and patrons will be encouraged to use nearby libraries.

Ensuring Patron and Staff Safety

Some renovations may not cause a service disruption, but patron and staff safety, project efficiency and cost management are the primary considerations driving necessary closures. Even with a required wall to separate any construction work from the public and library staff, potential safety hazards may surface from operating heavy machinery, increased traffic to the site, the need for hearing protection and other risks associated with infrastructure and utility work. Closing the facility during construction helps keep the project on schedule and is significantly more cost-effective (there is at least a 25% premium to stage construction while the library is open).

Temporary Facilities May Not be Feasible

While KCLS originally hoped to offer temporary services nearby, staff is assessing the practicality for each project. Leasing nearby retail space may be an option in some instances, but associated costs with relocating to leased space can exceed $100,000 and suitable space may not be available. A far more cost-effective choice is to encourage patrons to temporarily use the next nearest KCLS library while their customary site is closed.

Utilizing Other Library Locations

Some library programs may be temporarily relocated to other community buildings, such as schools or fire stations, though this varies by community and time of year. Staff explored the option of reassigning existing mobile library services, such as ABC Express, but that would disrupt the current services in high-need communities.

Patrons are encouraged to visit any KCLS library for full service while their regular site is under renovation. Patrons will be advised of planned closures well in advance, so they can plan their shift to other nearby community libraries before construction begins.